Background Art A bicycle can be usually classified into a life bicycle that is used in daily life, a bicycle for a sport event that is driven on the Velodrome or a road, MTB (Mountain Training Bicycle) used for leisure, BMX (Bicycle Motor Cross) that is used for a high speed on a steep unpaved road or for exhibition of feats and the like. These bicycles have respective properties and different kinds of handgrips. For example, in the life bicycle, the handgrip is oriented toward a rider.

In the bicycle for a sport event, the handgrip is rounded and bent downwardly. Furthermore, in the MTB or BMX, the handgrip is formed at both ends of a straight type handle or is additionally disposed. That is, in the aforementioned kinds of the bicycles, all the handgrips are fixed to the handles.

As the handgrip is fixed to the handle, the use of the bicycle is decided. Therefore, there is a limit that the life bicycle must be used for daily life only, the sport bicycle must be used for a sport

event only, and the MTB or BMX must be used for mountain or feats only.

Disclosure of Invention Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a handle of a bicycle in which the position and function of a handgrip are varied depending on application of the bicycle or a posture of a rider.

To achieve the above objects, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a handle of a bicycle, comprising: a handle bar 10 disposed at the top of a front fork F; and handgrip units 20 having folded portions 130 oriented toward the front of a wheel at both sides of the handle bar 10 wherein the handgrip units 20 is coupled to the folded portion 130 to rotate at a given angle, wherein each of the handgrip units 20 comprises a pipe 23 having a number of grooves 22a and a short projection 22b formed on its outer circumference ; a grip-coupling unit 25 rotatably coupled to the pipe 23 so that the groove 22a and the short projection 22b are contained in the grip-coupling unit 25, wherein the grip-coupling unit 25 is coupled to the grip 24 projected upwardly therefrom and an anti- rotation projection 25b latched to the short. projection 22b is formed on the inner circumference of the grip-coupling unit 25; and an angle- limiting unit 26 that serves to stop the grip-coupling unit 25 with

the grip-coupling unit 25 rotated against the pipe 23 at a given angle, wherein all of the pipe 23, the grip-coupling unit 25 and the angle- limiting unit 26 are disposed at both sides of the handle bar 10.

In the present invention, the angle-limiting unit 26 comprises a button 27 that goes in and out from the grip 24; a spring 28 that applies elasticity bias to the button 27 ; and a groove-coupling pin 29 hinged to the bottom of the button 27 wherein when the button 27 is projected from the grip 24, the groove-coupling pin 29 is coupled to the groove 22a and when the button 27 goes into the grip 24, the groove-coupling pin 29 is separated from the groove 22a.

In the present invention, a slot 124b is formed in a grip 124, and the angle-limiting unit 126 comprises a plate switch 127 that is rotatably coupled to a shaft h on a slot 124b, wherein two or more circumference grooves 127a and 127a'that-are differently located from the shaft h are formed at the bottom of the plate switch 127 ; a medium 128 that is disposed to go up and down within the grip 124, wherein the medium has a projection 128a projected from the slot 124b and is then fitted to the circumference groove 127a ; a groove-coupling pin 129 that is interlocked with the medium 128 and coupled to or decoupled from the groove 122a ; and a spring 129a for applying elasticity bias in the direction that the groove-coupling pin 129 is separated from the groove 122a.

At this time, it is preferred that the pipe 23 includes a

coupling bar 21 that is selectively coupled to and decoupled from the handle bar 10. The grip 24 has an inclined plane 24a formed at its top.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a handle of a bicycle, comprising: a handle bar 10 disposed on a front fork F of the bicycle ; and handgrip units 300 that are coupled at both ends of the handle bar 10 so that the handgrip units are rotated at a given angle, wherein the handgrip unit 300 comprises: pipes 310 disposed at both sides of the handle bar 10 ; a spherical casing 320 coupled to the end of the pipe 310 wherein the spherical casing has a hollow formed therein, and has a guide hole 321 and a number of fitting holes 322a, 322b and 322c formed around the guide hole 321; a grip-coupling unit 330 including a grip 331 upwardly projected from the guide hole 321, and a spherical coupling unit 332, wherein the spherical coupling unit is rotatably disposed within the spherical casing 320 and has a pinhole formed at its given portion; and an angle-limiting unit 340 that serves to stop the grip-coupling unit 330 against the spherical casing 320 in a state where the grip- coupling unit is rotated at a given angle.

In the above, the angle-limiting unit 340 comprises a push rod 341 disposed within the through hole 331a of the grip 331; a plate spring 342 disposed within the spherical coupling unit 332 and depressed by the push rod 341; and a coupling pin 343 coupled to the plate spring 342 wherein the coupling pin 343 selectively goes in and

out from the pinhole and is selectively latched to the fitting holes 322a, 322b and 322c of the spherical casing.

Brief Description of Drawings Further objects and advantages of the invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of a bicycle handle according to a first embodiment of the present invention ; Fig. 2 shows a state where a handgrip unit is separated form a handle bar in the bicycle handle shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a dismantled perspective view illustrating the handgrip unit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 shows a state where a groove-coupling pin is coupled to a groove as a button is projected from the grip ; Fig. 5 shows a state where the groove-coupling pin is separated from the groove as the button is immersed into the grip; Fig. 6 shows a state where the grip is rotated by means of the operation of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 ; Fig. 7 is a dismantled perspective view illustrating a handgrip unit of a bicycle handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 shows a plate switch in Fig. 7 ; Fig. 9 shows a projection that is moved by rotation of the plate switch ; Fig. 10 shows a process wherein a medium and a groove-coupling pin are interlocked by means of the projection of Fig. 9 ; Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of a bicycle handle according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 12 is an extracted view of the handgrip unit shown in Fig.

11; Fig. 13 is a dismantled perspective view illustrating the handgrip unit shown in Fig. 12; Fig. 14 shows a state where the grip is rotated forward ; Fig. 15 shows a state where the grip is rotated backward ; and Fig. 16 shows a posture of a rider depending on the position of the grip in the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention The present invention will now be described in detail in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of a bicycle handle according to a first embodiment of the present

invention. Fig. 2 shows a state where a handgrip unit is separated form a handle bar in the bicycle handle shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a dismantled perspective view illustrating the handgrip unit shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows a state where a groove-coupling pin is coupled to a groove as a button is projected from the grip. Fig. 5 shows a state where the groove-coupling pin is separated from the groove as the button is immersed into the grip. Fig. 6 shows a state where the grip is rotated in the range of 240° by means of the operation of Fig.

4 and Fig. 5.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 6, a bicycle handle according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a handle bar 10 disposed at the top of a front fork F of a bicycle, and handgrip units 20 each having a folded portion 130 oriented toward the front of a wheel at both sides of the handle bar 10 wherein the handgrip units 20 is coupled to the folded portion 130 so that it rotates at a given angle.

The handle bar 10 has a coupling hole 11 formed therein, as shown in Fig. 2. An insertion groove lla is formed on. the inner circumference of the coupling hole 11. An insertion projection 21a of a coupling bar 21 is inserted into the insertion groove lla.

Through this structure, as the coupling bar 21 is inserted into or separated from the coupling hole 11, the handgrip unit 20 is inserted into or separated from the handle bar 10. The coupling bar 21 does not rotate against the handle bar 10 by means of the insertion

groove lla and the insertion projection 21a. It has been described above that the insertion groove lla is formed in the handle bar 10 and the insertion projection 21a is formed in the coupling bar 21. It is, however, to be noted that the insertion groove can be formed in the coupling bar and the insertion projection can be formed in the handle bar. Moreover, it will be evident to those skilled in that art that the handgrip unit 20 can be integrated with the handle bar 10 even without the coupling hole 11, the insertion groove 11a, the coupling bar 21 and the insertion projection 21.

Each of the handgrip units 20 includes a pipe 23 having a number of grooves 22a and a short projection 22b formed on its outer circumference, a grip-coupling unit 25 rotatably coupled to the pipe 23 so that the grip-coupling unit 25 has the groove 22a and the short projection 22b contained therein, wherein the grip-coupling unit 25 is coupled to the grip 24 projected upwardly therefrom and an anti- rotation projection 25b latched to the short projection 22b is formed on the inner circumference of the grip-coupling unit 25, and an angle- limiting unit 26 that serves to stop the grip-coupling unit 25 with the grip-coupling unit 25 rotated against the pipe 23 at a given angle.

In the above, all of the pipe 23, the grip-coupling unit 25 and the angle-limiting unit 26 are disposed at both sides of the handle bar 10.

In the above, the number of the groove 22a may be 3,4 or the like. In this embodiment, the number of the groove 22a is 4 for

illustrative purpose. Further, the grooves 22a are formed in the range of 240° and the short projection 22b is integrally formed with the pipe. However, the short projection ca be formed at the edge of the plate member as a given plate member having the grooves formed therein is connected to the pipe.

The coupling bar 21 that is selectively coupled to or decoupled from the handle bar 10 is formed at one side of the handgrip unit 20, as shown in Fig. 2. The insertion projection 21a is formed in the coupling bar 21. Furthermore, an anti-escape nut 25a for preventing the grip-coupling unit 25 from being detached from the pipe 23 is coupled to the pipe 23. It is also preferred that the end of the grip 24 has an inclined plane 24a.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, an angle-limiting unit 26 includes a button 27 that goes in and out from the grip 24, a spring 28 that applies elasticity bias to the button 27, and a groove-coupling pin 29 hinged to the bottom of the button 27.

If the button 27 goes out from the grip 24, the groove-coupling pin 29 is coupled to the groove 22a, as shown in Fig. 4. In this state, the grip-coupling unit 25 keeps fixed against the pipe 23. If the button 27 is depressed to make the grip 24 go in, however, the groove-coupling pin 29 is separated from the groove 22a, as shown in Fig. 5. In this state, the grip-coupling unit 25 can rotate against the pipe 23.

The groove-coupling pin 29 is coupled to the groove 22a formed in the range of 240°. As a result, the grip-coupling unit 25 having the grip 24 formed therein can be rotated in the range of 240° and then fixed, as shown in Fig. 6.

If a rider holds the handle bar 10 not the grip in a state where the grip 24 is fully rotated toward the rider, the bottom of the arm of the rider can be supported by the grip 24. In this case, it is possible to reduce fatigue at the wrist of the rider.

A bicycle handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. The same reference numerals as the first embodiment of the present invention are used to identify the same or similar parts. Fig. 7 is a dismantled perspective view illustrating a handgrip unit of a bicycle handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.

8 shows a plate switch in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 shows a projection that is moved by rotation of the plate switch. Fig. 10 shows a process wherein a medium and a groove-coupling pin are interlocked by means of the projection of Fig. 9.

Referring to Figs. 7 to 10, the bicycle handle according to the second embodiment according to the present invention includes a handle bar 10 on a front fork F of the bicycle, and handgrip units 120 that are each coupled to both sides of the handle bar 10 so that they are rotated at a given angle. In the above, the handgrip unit 120 has a

structure that it is selectively coupled to or decoupled from the handle bar 10 like the first embodiment. Description on this structure will not be given since it has been described in the first embodiment.

The handgrip units 120 are disposed at both sides of the handle bar 10. Like the first embodiment, the handgrip units 120 includes a pipe 123 having a number of grooves 122a and a short projection 122b formed therein, a grip-coupling unit 125 rotatably coupled to the pipe 123 so that the grip-coupling unit 125 has the groove 122a and the short projection 122b contained therein, wherein the grip-coupling unit 125 is coupled to the grip 124 projected upwardly therefrom and an anti-rotation projection 125b latched to the short projection 122b is formed on the inner circumference of the grip-coupling unit 125, and an angle-limiting unit 126 that serves to stop the grip-coupling unit 125 with the grip-coupling unit 125 rotated against the pipe 123 at a given angle. At this time, an anti-escape nut 125a is coupled to the pipe 123 so that the grip-coupling unit 125 is not separated from the pipe 123. Furthermore, an inclined plane (not shown) is formed on the grip 124.

The angle-limiting unit 126 includes a plate switch 127 that is rotatably coupled to the shaft at a given portion of the grip 124, a medium 128 that moves within the grip 124 while being interlocked with the plate switch 127, a groove-coupling pin 129 that is coupled to or

decoupled from the groove 122a while being interlocked with the medium 128, and a spring 129a for applying elasticity bias in the direction that the groove-coupling pin 129 is separated from the groove 122a.

Two circumference grooves that are differently located from the shaft h, in this embodiment, three circumference grooves 127a and 127a', are formed at the bottom of the plate switch 127. In this embodiment, the distance from the shaft h to the circumference groove 127a at the center is longer than the distance up to the circumference groove 127a'at its both ends.

The medium 128 are disposed within the grip 124 to go up and down therein. At this time, a slot 124b is formed in the grip 124, as shown in Fig. 9. A projection 128a that is projected from the slot 124b is formed in the medium 128. The projection 128a is projected from the slot 124b and is fitted to the circumference grooves 127a and 127a'of the plate switch 127.

The groove-coupling pin 129 is coupled to or decoupled from the groove 122a and is located at the bottom of the medium 128.

Through this structure, if the plate switch 127 is rotated against the shaft h, the projection 128a moves within the slot 124b, as shown in Fig. 9. For example, if the plate switch 127 is located in place, the projection 128a is disposed at the bottom of the slot 124b. Also, the medium 128 coupled to the projection 128a has the groove-coupling pin 129 kept coupled to the groove 122a of the pipe.

In this state, the grip-coupling unit 125 having the grip 124 formed therein does not move but is fixed.

Meanwhile, if the plate switch 127 is moved around the shaft h, the projection 128a is located at the circumference groove 127a'that is more close to the shaft h. The medium 128 coupled to the projection 128a also goes up. Therefore, the groove-coupling pin 129 that is elastically biased by the spring 129a is separated from the groove 122a of the pipe. In this state, the grip-coupling unit 125 in which the grip 124 is formed can move.

The groove-coupling pin 129 is coupled to the groove 122a.

Resultantly, the grip-coupling unit 125 having the grip 124 formed therein is rotated and then fixed, as shown in Fig. 6.

Hereinafter, a bicycle handle according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 15. The same reference numerals as the first and second embodiments of the present invention are used to identify the same or similar parts. Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of a bicycle handle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is an extracted view of the handgrip unit shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a dismantled perspective view illustrating the handgrip unit shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 shows a state where the grip is rotated forward. Fig. 15 shows a state where the grip is rotated backward.

Referring to Figs. 11 to 15, the bicycle handle according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a handle bar 10 disposed on a front fork F of the bicycle, and handgrip units 300 that are coupled at both ends of the handle bar 10 so that they are rotated at a given angle. At this time, the handgrip unit 300 has a structure that it is selectively coupled to or decoupled from the handle bar 10 like the first embodiment. Description on this structure will not be given since it has been described in the first embodiment.

The handgrip unit 300 includes pipes 310 disposed at both sides of the handle bar 10, a spherical casing 320 coupled to the end of the pipe 310, a grip-coupling unit 330 rotatably coupled to the spherical casing 320, and an angle-limiting unit 340 that serves to stop the grip-coupling unit 330 against the spherical casing 320 with the grip- coupling unit 330 rotated at a given angle.

The spherical casing 320 has a hollow formed therein. The casing 320 has a guide hole 321 and a number of fitting holes 322a, 322b and 322c formed around the guide hole 321. This spherical casing 320 is composed of a first hemispherical unit 320a coupled to the pipe 310 and a second hemispherical unit 320b coupled to the first hemispherical unit 320a. The second hemispherical unit 320b is firmly coupled to the first hemispherical unit 320a by means of a plurality of bolts 323 that pass through the first hemispherical unit 320a.

The grip-coupling unit 330 includes a grip 331 upwardly

projected from the guide hole 321, and a spherical coupling unit 332 rotatably disposed within the spherical casing 320 and having a pinhole formed at its given portion. In the above, a through hole 331a is formed within the grip 331. A folded portion 331b some of which is bent is formed at the top of the grip-coupling unit 330.

The angle-limiting unit 340 includes a push rod 341 disposed within the through hole 331a of the grip 331, a plate spring 342 disposed within the spherical coupling unit 332 and depressed by the push rod 341, and a coupling pin 343 coupled to the plate spring 342 wherein the coupling pin 343 selectively goes in and out from the pinhole and is selectively latched to the fitting holes 322a, 322b and 322c of the spherical casing. At this time, it is preferred that a button 341a for depressing the push rod 341 is disposed at the end of the grip 331.

Through this structure, if the button 341a disposed at the end of the grip 331 is depressed, the push rod 341 is depressed to depress the plate spring 342. Thus, the coupling pin 343 coupled to the plate spring 342 is separated from the fitting holes 322a, 332b and 332c and thus becomes a state where it can move the grip 331. In this state, a rider can control the position of the grip 331 by pulling or pushing the grip 331.

In the concrete, as shown in Fig. 16, if the grip 331 is fully pushed and fixed to the front of the rider, a rider can pose a posture

C for a sport event. Also, if the grip 331 is adequately pushed to the front of the rider, a rider can pose a posture M of MTB.

Furthermore, if the grip 331 is pulled toward the rider and then fixed, the rider can pose a common posture S where the rider can erect his waist.

Industrial Applicability According to a bicycle handle of the present invention, a location and a function of a handgrip can be varied depending on application of a bicycle and a posture of a rider. Thus the bicycle according to the present invention can be used for a sport event, MTB and BMX. In other words, if a grip is rotated outside a rider, the bicycle can be used as a sport event. If the grip is erected, the bicycle can be used as MTB or BMX. If the grip is rotated toward the rider, the bicycle can be used as a common bicycle on which the rider can erect his waist.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by the embodiments but only by the appended claims. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.